Yoyo
Congo Lyrics
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he have no sorrows for tomorrow
who knows who knows what
he knows
who knows who knows where he goes
see the dreadlocks in his
onion bag
he`s a highest esteem
he`a man of his own
see the dreadlock`s playng yoyo
he have no troubles for tomorrow
who knows who knows what
he knows
see the dreadlocks in his
onion bag
don´t try to belitle him
he`s in sacloth and ashes
history repeats itself again
hail the dread upon the the hill
and the dread upon the flat
they are one
they are one
they are one
this is the genaration of man
that seek thy faith oh jah man
oh jah man
In Congo's song Yoyo, the lyrics "see the dreadlocks playing yoyo, he has no sorrows for tomorrow" speaks to the resilience and carefree spirit of those living in the African diaspora. The singer describes a person with dreadlocks, a common hairstyle among people of African descent, who is playing yoyo, a simple game with no worries about tomorrow. The person in the lyrics is carefree, despite the hardships they may be facing, and doesn't worry about tomorrow's problems. The lyrics urge listeners not to belittle this person because they have a high esteem and are a man of their own.
The lyrics suggest that society often underestimates those who are different or have a non-traditional way of life. For instance, the lyrics, "see the dreadlocks in his onion bag, don´t try to belittle him" shows how some people look down on those who are different. The onion bag, which is used for storing onions, is a metaphor for the person's way of life. The singer is telling listeners not to treat the person as just a simple bag, but to see their worth and respect them. Additionally, the lyrics, "history repeats itself again, hail the dread upon the hill and the dread upon the flat, they are one" shows how society often repeats the same mistakes and perpetuates the same prejudices. However, the singer urges listeners to see that despite the differences in social status, class, or even hairstyle, people are all one and should be treated as such.
Line by Line Meaning
see the dreadloks playing yoyo
Observing the dreadlocks bouncing around freely and carelessly.
he have no sorrows for tomorrow
He has no concerns or worries about the future.
who knows who knows what
It is uncertain what the future holds.
he knows
But the dreadlock knows and has his own understanding.
see the dreadlocks in his onion bag
Witness the dreadlock with his belongings, including his personal values and beliefs.
don´t try to belitle him
Do not attempt to discredit or disregard him, for he carries great importance.
he`s a highest esteem
He holds himself in high regard, with dignity and respect.
he`a man of his own
He is an independent individual, with his own thoughts and decisions to make.
see the dreadlock`s playng yoyo
Once again, observe the dreadlock being carefree and playful.
he have no troubles for tomorrow
Still, he has no worries or concerns about what is to come.
who knows who knows what
This line again questions what the future may hold in store.
he knows
But the dreadlock still knows and understands, despite the uncertainty.
don´t try to belitle him
Again, emphasizing the importance of not undermining or devaluing him.
he`s in sacloth and ashes
He is in a state of mourning or penance, possibly for the injustices and struggles he faces in his life.
history repeats itself again
This line suggests that the situations and events the dreadlock faces are not new, but rather a repeating cycle.
hail the dread upon the the hill
Praise the dreadlock who stands out and rises above the rest through his resilience and strength.
and the dread upon the flat
Acknowledge and give credit to those who may not stand out as much but still endure the same struggles and hardships.
they are one
Despite potentially differing backgrounds or circumstances, the dreads share a common experience and understanding.
this is the genaration of man
This line introduces an overarching theme of generational struggles and experiences.
that seek thy faith oh jah man
A calling or plea for divine intervention or guidance in the face of adversity.
oh jah man
An expression of faith and belief in a greater power or force.
Contributed by Alex P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.